Communication Design Affiliate Instructor

Department

By applying to this posting, you are entering an applicant pool for affiliate faculty. Screening of applicants will take place when positions come available. The number of these temporary, part-time, non-tenure track academic positions varies from semester to semester, depending on the needs of the program. As such, not everyone in the applicant pool for this position will be contacted and/or selected to teach

About the University

Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado’s extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today’s college students.

Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.

Position Summary 

The Department of Art at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) invites applications for part-time affiliate faculty teaching positions in Communication Design. The Department offers programs that examine art and design in relationship to contemporary society with specific emphasis on emerging and interdisciplinary practices. Designers who are motivated by a collaborative environment emphasizing community-driven design practices are encouraged to apply. The candidate must demonstrate a commitment to teaching design practices that engage with and embrace emerging technologies. 

  
For more information about the Department of Art in our College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, please visit: https://www.msudenver.edu/art. 

Responsibilities 

Teach one to three classes in communication design, which may include design fundamentals, typography, interactive design & development, branding, narrative and time-based media, publication design, design research, UI/UX, community-based design, portfolio development, professional practices, or internship supervision. Classes may be offered in person, remote or hybrid setting. 

An affiliate faculty member’s duties may include but are not limited to: teaching assigned classes in person or online by delivering course content to students, preparing course materials and lesson plans, grading student work, providing students with robust feedback in a timely manner, addressing student questions consistent with university, college/school, and department policies, and providing online or in person academic support to students as needed and appropriate for the teaching assignment; providing instruction in assigned classes consistent with the content and learning objectives of the regular course syllabus and, if required, with department course coordination policies; and complying with university-wide student evaluation of instruction policies and peer observation policies. The ability to adapt and learn new modes of instruction is highly encouraged. Candidates need to be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse student population.

Required Qualifications 

• BA in communication design, visual communication, graphic design, art, or related field 

• Three years of professional and/or teaching experience 

Preferred Qualifications 

• MFA or MA in appropriate field plus six years of relevant professional and/or teaching experience 

• Experience working with and sensitivity to the needs of a diverse urban student population including (but not limited to) students of color, LBGTQIA students, students from low-income backgrounds, first-generation students, students with disabilities, undocumented students, non-traditional students, student veterans, and English language learners 

Terms of Employment

Affiliate faculty are part-time, at-will employees hired to teach on a per credit hour basis for specific classes, usually on a semester-by-semester basis. Affiliate faculty are not eligible for benefit coverage under the University’s benefit program. All such teaching assignments are dependent on budget and enrollment.  

Qualified candidates will be expected to teach in person/on campus upon hire.    

Salary for Announcement 

The final salary is based on the number of credit hours assigned at a rate determined by university policy.  

For more information, please view the pay rates under College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences: Affiliate-Rates-AY-25-26.

How to Apply 

Candidates must apply online through MSU Denver’s career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers. Complete applications will include the following required materials:  

• Curriculum vitae 

• Cover letter 

• Copies of all unofficial transcripts 

• A list of three professional references with contact information 

Applicants will notice on the application portal there is one location (the resume/cover letter submission field) to upload all required materials. Multiple documents can be submitted into this one field; alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF and upload. ​Once submitted, you will not be able to edit your application. 

Please submit questions to Matthew Jenkins, Chair and Professor of Fine Art, in the Department of Art, at [email protected] or 303-615-0634

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire. 

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting Representative

Posting Representative Email

Benefits

The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more.   

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf. 

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at[email protected].

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors.  To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.